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15 Literary Baby Names Your Child Won't Hate You For When Their Reading Lists Come In
When it comes to baby names, book worms have a long list of inspiration to pull form. But that long list can be overwhelming to a mom-to-be that already has a lot on her mind. Not to mention some of those names can be overdone or just a little too out there. Luckily, there are a number of literary baby names your child won't hate as they make their way through the Barnes and Noble shelves.
Books always have, and always will, prove to be a great source of inspiration for names. For starters, the names from your favorite reads already have some amazing meanings. Oftentimes, however, the author can create a whole new meaning based on the story they tell and the traits this give to the character. It's kind of incredible when you think about it.
Then there's the added benefit that being named after a classic character will — hopefully — instill a lifetime love of reading in your child. Don't get wrong. I love the idea of my further child being a cinephile and TV aficionado like myself, but I'd me more happy if he or she put up a fight when I tell them it's time to leave the library.
Whether you're a book worm or just need some inspiration, these 15 literary names will be loved by your child for many years to come.
1Alice
The name of the titular character from Lewis Carroll's most loved book, Alice means "noble." The perfect name if you're hoping to raise a forward-thinking girl.
2Bennet
Pride and Prejudice's Lizzie Bennet may be one of the most feminist heroines in romantic literature. Though you could easily name your daughter Elizabeth, why not go for the twist and name your son Bennet, which means "blessed."
3Celie
Celie shows so much strength throughout The Color Purple, which is a trait you'd definitely want your child to have. A variation on Cecelia, Celie is pronounced seel-ee.
4Charlotte
Whether you're inspired by the talented Bronte sister or the classic children's book, Charlotte — meaning "free man" — makes a great moniker.
5Dean
One of the main characters in Jack Kerouac's On The Road, Dean posses a care-free attitude and desire for travel. The name, which has English origins, is sure to inspire an adventurous child.
6Dorian
Though the titular character in The Picture of Dorian Gray is a bit narcissistic, the name is too original to pass on. Dorian, which has musical meanings, is a beautiful name your boy will love as he grows.
7Finn
Taken from the last name of Mark Twain's most adventurous character, Finn means "fair or white."
8Holden
Though Holden Caulfield of Catcher In The Rye is pretty troubled, the name has too nice of a ring to pass up.
9Holly
Before Audrey Hepburn brought her to life, Holly Golightly was a wildly intriguing character from Truman Capote's Breakfast At Tiffany's.
10Jay
It's not a literary name list without Jay Gatsby of The Great Gatsby. Short and sweet Jay makes a great name for a boy or girl.
11Logan
A great gender-neutral name inspired by Their Eyes Were Watching God, Logan means "little hallow."
12Ollie
A play off the main character from Oliver Twist, Ollie means "olive tree."
13Scarlett
Though your first thought may be the color of the letter Hester Prynne was forced to wear, it's actually referencing the main character from Gone With The Wind. Meaning "red," Scarlett has a great ring to it.
14Winnie
Who doesn't love Winnie The Pooh? Though the character is a boy, Winnie, which means "gentle friend," would make a great name for your little girl.
15Zooey
Though the Zooey in J. D. Salinger's novel is a boy, it is traditionally a girl's name meaning "life."
